November 2024 : Form the South

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Hi to all of the brothers of Smithtown Lodge from the south. The Lodge is still pretty quiet and we’re ramping up for a good year. We have one perspective candidate that has been investigated and another one in the works. It looks like we will definitely have two candidates for our first degree this year. Other than that not much to report. Things are going well and moving right along. I am planning to have two rehearsals prior to the first- degree coming up so we can give the candidates the best Masonic experience that’s associated with the ritual. The cigar and bourbon night went well thanks to Steve Koferl offering his house and we had a very good turnout. Be well, my brothers and see you at the next meeting

JW Stu Smith

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Want to hear a secret?

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There are many secrets and boy do I have a doosie!

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No cheating, you’ll have to open the post to read the salacious secret!

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The secret is: Peconic Lodge No. 349 still has the Suffolk District Traveling Gavel.

Ok so now that the cat is out of the bag, Peconic Lodge meets at Riverhead Lodge on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. Their next meeting is on November 6th, 2024. In case you were more curious you can check out the Gavel info right here -> Suffolk District Traveling Gavel.

Ok so not really a salacious secret, actually not much a secret at all. But a great way to bring attention to the fact that Peconic Lodge has had the traveling gavel since the beginning of this Masonic Season and no attempts to take it. One of the great aspects or benefits of Freemasonry is traveling my Brothers, and the Traveling Gavel is just a stimulus to encourage getting out there and visiting other lodges, meeting new and old brothers alike.

The Suffolk District is not that big, and if you imagine it, as a Freemason the world is open to you. In almost every country and where Freemasonry is allowed and flourishing, brothers are eager to welcome you as a Brother. Just like the District Traveling Gavel Brothers, there are some rules or protocols that you should familiarize yourself with before traveling abroad or even inter-state. But once you are familiar, it’s an experience you will never forget.

Get out there and TRAVEL brothers, it’s good for the soul and good for the Craft.

October 2024 From the East

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Brethren,

As the leaves change and autumn settles in, it’s time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and look ahead to the opportunities that lie before us. October is here, and with it comes a renewed focus on our Lodge activities and community engagement.

I want to extend my gratitude to all who participated in our recent programs, “Rededication and Reunion” and our discussion on “Laudable Pursuit” .Much more important than the presentations themselves was the lively conversation that followed.. Your involvement is what makes our Lodge thrive.

This month, we continue with Masonic education. First, mark your calendars for our upcoming program “Why This Confusion in the Craft?” on October 9th. I encourage all members to attend and participate in the discussions.

For our second meeting this month, Oct. 23rd,we will be attending Babylon Lodge and their School of Instruction where the topics will be the First Degree as well as Observant Masonry, which promises to be both enlightening and engaging. The officers will open and close the Lodge, allowing the remainder of attendees to travel directly to Babylon. See the event details on Band for more details.

Lastly, I would like to remind everyone about the importance of attendance at our meetings. Your presence enriches our discussions and strengthens our bonds as brothers. Let’s continue to support each other and uphold the values that Freemasonry represents.

Wishing you all a wonderful October filled with warmth, brotherhood, and personal growth. I look forward to seeing each of you at our upcoming events!

Fraternally,

W:.William Hanson

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October 2024 From the West

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Brethren,

It sounds like the Cigar and Bourbon Day was a fantastic event! Despite the rain, it’s great to hear that everyone enjoyed themselves, especially with W:. Hanson’s culinary talents and the variety of spirits and cigars available. A big shout-out to Steve Korferl for hosting—it’s always wonderful when members step up to support each other.

 

Fraternally,

Edward Matuszak
Senior Warden

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October 2024 From the South

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I would like to give kudos to the Worshipful master and brothers of Smithtown Lodge on their opening and closing after we came back from the summer break. I travel to a number of larges since we came back to life and I give Smithtown not because I’m biased a 99% Grade on the way we handled the ritual opening and closing. Keep up the good work and we will shine like always. I’m looking forward to seeing two new possible brothers coming into the craft in the months to come.
J W Stu Smith

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From the Grand Lodge Staff Officer for the Suffolk District Fall 2024

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Greetings my Brothers;

It is a privilege and honor to represent the Suffolk District as the Grand Lodge Staff Officer. I hope to be the brother you look to for educational insight and instruction. Please take advantage of all the many programs and classes we are offering.

The AGLs and I will be working hard to bring you many educational evenings of interesting programs and workshops to aid in your Masonic experience. Schools of Instruction, Masonic Development Courses, and the Road to the East course. I promise to make them lively, entertaining, and thought provoking.

I urge each and every one of my brothers to take advantage of what is available to help you learn more about our gentle craft. These courses are not just for those who wish to advance to the East, but for everyone. Newly made Master Masons, Fellowcrafts, and Entered Apprentice are all welcome and encouraged to participate. The year will be filled with lots of interesting nights and some mornings with great fellowship. Try to be part of a class and enjoy the company of your brothers. We should never stop learning. There is always the by-product of enjoying the company of many brothers from across the district. By the way you know there is always food and fun. I guarantee a good time. Don’t delay sign up today.

I thank everyone for this opportunity to learn with you all.

R:.W:. Bill De Benedetto

Grand Steward

 

Note from the editor: the link to the signups when they become available will always be on the Education page of the District website here -> Educational Services

From the Suffolk District DDGM Sept 2024

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Dear Brethren,

I hope this communication finds you well and eager to get back into the Quarries.  Your Suffolk Masonic District Team is very excited to get our term started and thanks to The M:.W:. Steven Adam Rubin, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York we have some excellent programs for us to get out to our District.

To accomplish this, he has established seven pillars, to serve as the guide during our labors: Our Three Precious Jewels, Grand Lodge Leadership, Masonic Education, Membership Value, Masonic Lodge and Building Governance, Masonic Communication and Social Responsibility and New York Masonic History. The district team is focused on our responsibilities and stands ready to assist our lodges in any way needed. Much more information will be distributed as the year progresses.

 

Below, our District Deputy Grand Masters visits are listed for this year. I encourage you to attend as many visits as your cable toe will allow.

  • Star of the East, October 10th
  • Wamponamon Lodge, October 17th
  • Alcyone Lodge October 22nd
  • The Lodge of Antiquity, November 14th
  • Potunk Lodge, November 21st
  • Old Town Lodge, December 9th
  • Jephtha Lodge, December 9th
  • Suffolk 60, December 19th.

 

Being appointed as the District Deputy Grand Master for the Suffolk Masonic District is very humbling and the Responsibility and Obligation that comes with this appointment is something I will work very hard to accomplish.

 

May the Great Architect of the Universe bless this craft and all our brothers.

 

Fraternally,

R:.W:. Robert J. Licata

DDGM Suffolk District

September-December 2024 from the East

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Brothers,

I hope all had a pleasant break. We’ve had our first meeting of the season in the collation room; however, the Lodge room facelift is just about complete. We’re diving in headfirst this year and will be going full steam until June. Our first meeting was a bit different in that we did it Festive board style. It was interesting to say the least. Br. JW Dominick cooked up a nice meal and we ate and had our meeting. Bro. SW Pete gave the Masonic Education on the history of Riverhead Lodge. If you would like to recap this or missed the meeting, you can find all that info here -> History of Riverhead Lodge.

As many now know the Tri-Lodge Pig Roast is next up on the agenda. if you haven’t gotten your tickets or rsvp’d already, please go to 2024 Tri-Lodge Pig Roast to purchase advanced tickets for $35/ea. or RSVP to pay at the door $40. It’s shaping up to be a great afternoon. If you would be interested in helping to get everything setup and tear down, we’ll be gathering at ~8 AM to start and the party end at 6 Pm so anyone who can stay after to help clean up would be appreciated.

Our Tuesday, Sept. 17th Stated Communication will feature a guest speaker, R:.W:. Mike LaRocca, Director of the Robert Livingston Library at Grand Lodge will be giving us a great lecture with some special artifacts to present. Don’t miss this one! Collation will begin at 6 Pm and the Lodge will open at 7:30 PM. Attire for the evening will be business.

Any who have taken the Master’s Chair or has been elected and served in the East of a Masonic Lodge will confirm that a Master’s trestleboard is ever changing and evolving sometimes on the fly. I had planned for a degree in October, but I will need to switch things around a bit. It seems we’ll be doing a 2nd degree in November instead, please look for announcement and rehearsals for that degree. This will merge some new brothers into one class for the 2nd degree.

In its place for October we’ll be hosting another guest speaker, W:. Ron Seifried, Past Master, Author and speaker on October 15th.  As for October 1st communication, as of this writing, I am planning a fun event, Masonic Jeopardy (aka are you smarter than an EA edition). This will be open to all Brothers as it will be 1st degree safe.

November look to be just as energetic with our first meeting falling on sever remarkable dates. First, it’s election day so if you plan on voting in the general election, this is the day. It’s also my oldest daughter’s birthday so this Nov. 5th will be a step-up night. All officers will advance up one chair and do the work (preferably with no books), I’ll know trust me.

Between Tuesday Nov. 5th and the 19th, I’ll be scheduling a rehearsal for the 2nd degree. Please speak up and volunteer to take a role in the degree so I don’t have to voluntold anyone.

December will be our Tri-Lodge Christmas Brunch as we have done the last few years. The date of this event is TBD and will be put on the BAND and Riverhead Lodge calendar. Our 2nd meeting on Dec. 17th, I am planning on a Lodge Holiday gathering that our spouses or significant others can come and have dinner with us. The officers and will hold very abbreviated meeting to satisfy our charter and GL rules, then rejoin those downstairs.

 

Riverhead Lodge room Facelift

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Brothers,

It’s been a long journey for all involved. Here we are in September and the Lodge room renovation and redesign are 99% complete. I would like to acknowledge those Brothers who went the extra mile and donated time and materials to the project. As well W:. Bobby Abel who kicked off the Project during his Mastership. Bro. Ezra Fife who put in untold amounts of his own time and expertise in getting the ceiling and arrange the hardwood floors. The Bothers of Peconic Lodge who funded the ceiling and lighting. R:.W:. Bob Licata for getting the carpet in perfectly. Thank you also to the Brothers who came out on a Sunday to help move everything back into the Lodge room, Bro. Pat, Bro. Charles (who kept us fat and happy with donuts and bagels), Bro. Kenny, W:. Dan and even R:.W:. Matt was on hand to give everyone a hard time. The list just goes on and on. When we come together as a Lodge there is nothing we cannot tackle.  So below will be a short slideshow of the Lodge room through the renovation start to finish.

You can click on any of the images below in the slideshow to enlarge them. More pics will be added so stay tuned!

So, as we continue to improve ourselves as well as the Lodge let us enjoy the new Lodge room. Several other improvements have also been backed into the facelift of the Lodge that may not be as apparent. W:. Charle Monte also put in many hours of work with the electrical, new all switches that allow us to control the lighting for effect during degrees as well as a new speaker and sound system that should also help with degrees and presentations. I’m sure that those that now sit in the east during special events and presentation will breathe a sigh of relief as there is no longer a large speaker behind their heads.

A new meshed Wi-Fi system is installed in the Lodge room. The new system allows for a greater signal strength throughout the building and spilt networks. There is one network for Lodge devices and members, and another for Lodge guests. There are small, framed signs in the collation room with a QR code for guests to scan to join the Riverhead Lodge guest wi-fi. If you are a Lodge member the password is the same, the name of the network has changed.

if you are connecting to the Lodge network/Wi-Fi, you can used either if you are just using internet. If you plan to access Lodge equipment, printers, etc. you will need to be on the “Riverhead Lodge Wi-Fi” with the old password. If you don’t know it, please see a Lodge officer to get you logged in.

From the Secretary’s Desk September 2024

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Brethren,
As we return to our labors this fall, I look forward to seeing everyone in the Lodge.  We have our first fellowship event of the fall on September 28th with our Whisky & Cigar BBQ.  Please come out, even if it has been awhile, your Brothers would love to see you!
In regards to the Secretary’s Desk, please continue to reach out if I can be of any support.  Whether it be relief, ideas or just to chat, I look forward to hearing from you all.

Thanks & Fraternal Regards,
W:. Scott K. Parry
Secretary – Smithtown Lodge No. 1127
(631) 603-5273

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